, 7
A PILGRIMAGE TO HAIFA
A gift from Mildred R. Mottahedeh November 1919 Ridvan 152 B.E.
(Memories of a Young Girl of 12 Years Old)
by Bahiyyih Winckler Dr Lotfullah Hakim w'as waiting for us with A PILGRIMAGE TO HAIFA 'Abdu'l-Baha's carriage. When the officials began to argue about our luggage he said we were 'Abdu'l- Baha's guests and they stopped at once. As we drove November 1919 past the town it looked strange, so many walls hiding buildings and the men wearing long white shirts that (Memories of a Young Girl of 12 Years Old) looked like father's nightgowns. We stopped to let a line of camels pass. They had square tin boxes by Bahiyyih Winckler • strapped to their sides, containing a years supply of butter (I wouldn't like to taste that butter!).
We left town and began to climb upward, until the horses stopped before a wall with a large wrought iron gate. We looked thru the bars to see a sandy yard with a large stone house in the middle of it. We were
T here was a splash; the anchor had to stay there twelve days. Suddenly it was as if a hand dropped; we had reached Haifa! Seven turned my face to the left. I saw the top of a small of us were standing on the top deck of building showing above a wall. In the upper half of a the dirty old ship that we would be glad to leave, window was the face of 'Abdu'l-Baha. He was looking cockroaches and all. It was early, before breakfast, but at us and yet into some distant place. we were excited to see Haifa where 'Abdu'l-Baha was. I was twelve years old and was with my family, Ruth Without any action on my part I became close and Harry Randall. My younger brother, Bill, was sick to Him. His eyes were radiant and they spoke of love and three years old and could not come with us at this and wisdom, but there was a look of patient sadness time. also. He did not speak or move. I looked beyond Him and there was a large circle of soft pink with a Soon, little boats came from the shore with men white center, the edges of the circle gray with sparkles full of business such as seeing passports and asking of gold. It was very beautiful and I became aware that how much money we had. We hurried them and it was telling me something about the Master, how ourselves and were finally led to the side of the ship wonderful He was, but I did not understand. where a thin looking rope ladder would take us to a small boat way below. We made it but it was scary. Then I was wrapped in a feeling of love to- Mother started to fall but father caught her. It was wards the Master that flooded my heart. As suddenly lucky the sea was calm. as this happened, it was over. Later, after I had thought about such an unusual inCident, I decided it 2 3 was a gift from the Master. One that was beyond President traveling incognito. measure, that would remain with me forever. It was a gift in two ways: one, that the Master's great station The Master left us after awhile saying that He was beyond comprehension, and second, that I could had many letters to write and an important guest was be close to Him if I loved Him. coming for lunch. The meal was brought from the Master's house and consisted of soup, fish, pilaf and Our new home proved to be spacious for all of kabob. There was lots to eat and we were hungry. us. Fugita had gone to the household of the Master After lunch I went to my room to open my steamer where he longed to be. There was Arthur Hathaway, trunk. People at home wanted us to take pictures so I Albert Vail, George Latimer and our family. Doctor took out my Brownie Box camera and lots of film. Esselmont occupied one room because he was ill and writing a book about the Faith. We stood by his door In the afternoon a Colonel and Mrs Allison and and greeted him. He looked tired but kind. a Mr Denham came from the ship asking if they could see 'Abdu'l-Baha. My family talked about the Faith to Shoghi Effendi was 10 years older than I. He everyone on the ship. Father had asked Shoghi came to greet us and to say that the Master would be Effendi if it was all right. Later we were all invited to coming very soon, and there He was in the doorway! the Master's house. As we entered the gate I saw the I caught my breath but He smiled and welcomed us little building up against the wall. Shoghi. Effendi said . with enthusiasm. He shook our hands and made us it was a place where the Master could be alone and feel that He was really glad that we had come. We all rest. The Master's house is large with a big central sat down when He did. room with doors leading to other parts of the house.
He asked us about our trip. No one told Him Also in the afternoon we went to a gathering at about the terrible storm in the Mediterranean. The old the Shrine of the Bab. Mother and I were sad because ship, which was not used anymore, was brought back the ladies of the Master's household could not be seen into service to carry troops during the war. It groaned by strange men, not even in Holy Places. It is a Musand shook when the huge waves crashed down upon lim rule. us. The captain said it was the worst storm he had ever been in. We were a little frightened, but perhaps There were many people including Persians on the Master knew this and protected us. pilgrimage. The Shrine has more than one room and the Master led us to a door where we all took off our 'Abdu'l-Baha spoke of President Wilson and it shoes. There was a big pile of them and I wondered if was interesting because father looks so much like him. any were ever stolen or if owners took the wrong When we entered one of the Consulates in Europe on shoes by mistake. I stood by the Master's side and as our way to Haifa, the staff arose thinking it was the each person entered the room, the Master put rose 4 5 water in their hands. He had a very small bottle and I bed. I was told it burns a long time ... a gallant little watched. There was always enough, even for me at wick! the end. How could it be? Maybe it was a miracle. In this room there was chanting but I could not under- Then it was dinner with the Master. Mother and stand the words. I put on our best dresses. Dinner was at 7:30 and we were on time. Father was never late to anything. He Then we took turns going to the entrance of a said the Master was the same, unless there was a second room where the body of the Bab lies below reason, "I was never allowed one." floor level. A beautiful rug covers the Spot. We only went to the entrance which was covered with flowers 'Abdu'l-Baha placed each person at the table. and knelt and bowed our heads. I wondered why Mother at the head, father and George part way down, some men were weeping. My father said it was a very and Shoghi Effendi and Dr Hakim at the bottom special and important time for peoples' hearts. because they were taking notes of all that the Master said. He placed me on His left side. That was to be my place all during our visit.
Sitting across from me was what the Master called a Sheik. I was fascinated because I had read First Day about such men. I wondered if he had tents filled with silk pillows and women lying on them. Fugita here were many experiences in even one
T day. When we reached home after visiting the Shrine mother showed me two things. One was the toilet. A small building the came in carrying large plates of pilaf and other things. The pilaf had dainty pieces of meat and vegetables mixed into the rice, and on top, pine nuts. size of a clothes closet was near the house. Inside, it The Master talked a great deal but never lost had a wooden shelf with a hole in the middle. That is sight of anyone's plate, and when empty He would where we sat, over the hole! I was afraid that arise from His chair and, still talking, fill the plate. He something underneath would bite me. did this to father twice and I knew he was struggling to eat it all, but no one would leave even a speck. The second was the lighting in the bedrooms. When the Master was silent no one spoke. There was There was a drinking glass 2/3 full of water. On top of a loving respect that one could feel. Shoghi Effendi this was a thin layer of oil, and on top of that was a did the interpreting as the Master spoke and he did not little round piece of stiff pink paper with about 1/4 seem to have time to eat very much. inch wick pushed partly thru the middle hole of the paper. It lighted my room enough to get ready for When dinner was finished the Master arose and 6 7 went to a wash basin by His bedroom door, washed about this word or that. When they had finished . His hands and beard and then said goodnight. As He Shoghi Effendi took the papers to the Master for His went through the door I felt lonely. Everyone else approval. arose and went on their way home. Sometimes the Master corrected a word or two, but seldom according to Shoghi Effendi. The Master always spoke to me in English and did so with others when he wished to. Day Two Luncheons continued to be brought to us from the Master's house. Shoghi Effendi and Lotfullah were he next morning bagpipes woke me up.
T A division of the British Army was stationed on Mt. Carmel. They used bagpipes instead of bugles. They were loud enough always with us and sometimes Dr. Esselmont. The wonderful surprise was that this day the Master came saying that He would be with us every day. Shoghi Effendi assured us that this was a great honor because to wake everyone up. Father came in having walked He seldom had time to do this. The big table with the up to the Shrine of the Bab and back. He said we did white cloth was made beautiful when the Master took not come here to sleep. I thought, spiritual people, fragrant jasmine blossoms from a large handkerchief in but not me! his pocket and tossed them into the center of the table. At seven thirty a maid came in with a large cup The Master was always so happy even when of black coffee for father. He was astonished. Who one day He was terribly tired, having had only four could know what his custom was in the mornings? hours sleep and no breakfast. We became like a The dear Master, of course! We were learning that He family, feeling free to laugh and ask questions (but knew us better than we knew ourselves. Breakfast always with respect). consisted of tea, served in tiny glasses so hot that one couldn't hold them at first, eggs, cheese and bread. Mother spoke of the death of Sandy Kinney and The bread was the size of a large pancake and when the Master said He would send a message. I asked for cut open was hollow and food could be put inside like a message for Howey Kinney who was my best friend. a sandwich. The Master spoke at once, "Although thy brother has ascended to the Abha Kingdom and has not remained Shoghi Effendi and Dr Lotfullah arrived after long in this world, My hope is that on behalf of thy breakfast to begin the translation into English of the brother thou mayst strive on behalf of thy parents.» talks of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Father and George Latimer helped. They made every effort to be accurate, talking The Master had an inexhaustible supply of 8 9 , stories. His facial expressions and tone of voice made had a strange feeling in my body and when He left, a story seem real. The little dog story I liked best, so the feeling left. I thought perhaps it was due to here it is as I remember it. According to the Master: excitement. But it comes whenever I am with Him. have tried to describe it to myself and perhaps it's like We were at Akka when Kamel Pasha became a very mild electric current might feel like. It does not Prime Minister. His brother became governor of Acca. hurt but makes me feel uneasy. In Turkey the brother of the prime minister could do whatever he wished. One day he came with a carriage Mother and I were invited to have tea with the and we went out together. On the way I noticed that Master's family this afternoon. Tea was served in the he had a hunting outfit and he had four or five large room opposite the front door of the Master's home. hunting dogs. A gazelle was sighted. These dogs There was the Greatest Holy Leaf (the Master's sister), chased after it. One of the Baha'is had a small dog, an His wife and their four daughters, one of whom spoke Arab Baha'i. He also had come. These five dogs of English, named Munawar. She became Mother's close the governor did not catch anything. This little dog friend. caught a large gazelle. They greeted us with love and were eager to The governor became ashamed. When the hear news of America. The Master sat with us for dogs returned he began to beat them. He said, "What awhile. He reads the newspapers, but He talks with us can I do? The Baha'is are assisted. These five dogs of just the same. I remember when His little grandson, mine could catch nothing, but this little dog did." He Foad, rushed in to say that his pet donkey had a fever dismounted and took the little dog in his arms and and would the Master please pray for him. They left kissed it. He told the owner of the dog that he would together to see the animal. There were meetings not give it back to him. before dinner with the Master, pilgrims, guests and people from various places in the world. They show 'Abdu'l-Baha told us about all kinds of things, respect and love for 'Abdu'l-Baha. Some come for the even a potato, my favorite food. He said that sixty first time yet the Master knows them and speaks as if years ago they introduced the potato into Persia. they were friends. Sometimes I forget how wonderful There was so much superstition that they used to say the Master is because He is so natural, and yet we are that whoever eats it becomes an infidel. No one but shadows compared to Him. would eat it except those who took it with wine. There was so much prejudice. Now see what Baha'u'llah has done. Now we are all gathered around one table, filled with love!
Yesterday when the .Master first came to see us I 10 11 Day Three the Children of the Kingdom' - I will send a Tablet."
hen Shoghi Effendi came this morn At luncheon the Master turned to me saying,
W ing, he said that the Master would give us each a private interview. Mother's would be this morning. I was a little afraid to "Your name is Bahiyyih. It means light and there must be something to make the light." He had a twinkle in His eyes and a big smile. have mine for fear I would cry or say something silly. To be alone with the Master would not be an ordinary I loved the name at once, it had a soft musical experience. Mother said I could go with her, so we sound. My name, Margaret, had a harsh sound and I hurried along. It was pouring rain. He greeted us in had never liked it. Later, I learned the name Bahiyyih His loving way by putting both hands to His forehead. was the name of the sister of 'Abdu'l-Baha , the He took us to the meeting room (Reception), seated Greatest Holy Leaf. My brother received the name us, and then sat down opposite us. I called it the Baha'I, in a Tablet to father. What a blessing for us "meeting room." both - and what a challenge! I'm sure the Master heard my heart saying thank you. Mother had lots to say. She had brought messages from people in the States. She also wanted Luncheon that day was especially fun. The to know about herself. Her biggest question was Master encouraged Fugita to try and teach him to eat whether the Master would like father and herself to rice with chopsticks. We all laughed, even the Master. build a Western Pilgrim House - where Baha'IS from Fugita for many years had longed to be able to come the West could stay when they were on pilgrimage. to Haifa and be of service in the Master's home. The Master smiled and said, "Very good, very good." Father had seen him in Naples, stranded because ships were scarce. Father arranged for him to come with us. Then it was my turn. I stood up and asked (I heard this coming out of my mouth, with surprise), The Master teased me about food the entire "What can I do to s.erve the Faith?" There was silence visit. He would ask if I liked something that was being for a few minutes and then I heard, "Study, study, served. If I said, "A little," He would usually say, "I STUDY." When the Master wanted to emphasize know what you are thinking." And the next day for something He would repeat it three times, His voice me we would have chicken and potatoes, and it tasted getting louder and louder. good! Another time we had a delicious sweet that looked like pink shredded wheat, only it was very I told about Ella Robarts who was publishing a brittle. It was a real treat. He was so kind and little magazine for Baha'I children. Would the Master thoughtful. please give it a name. He replied, "'The Magazine of When the Master left it was raining. Mother 12 13 handed Him an umbrella as He started down the front listening to what 'Abdu'l-Baha might have wanted to steps. It was a cold rain and mother was worried he say. might catch a chill. He did not seem concerned and handed the umbrella to Shoghi Effendi. The Master is not really like we are. He can control Nature, even raindrops and a storm like He did when He was in the United States. Day Four Mother likes being with the ladies. They talk decided to go down to the end of the yard about what is going on in the Faith because the ladies hear very little news. They also talk about marriage, children and sometimes cooking. I seldom stay after I to see who our neighbors were. I was about to start when a message came from the Master asking me not to go because His enemies tea. I now enjoy the little glasses of hot sweet tea. lived there. I was grateful He had stopped me, but how did He know? I had not told anyone. Living here Since it was still raining I went down to our under the protection of a loving Master is a gift never, house. Dr Esselmont was Sitting in a chair in his room never to forget. so we talked together. He said the Master was helping him a lot with his book - helping him clarify things. Mother and I went shopping in town. She bought rosaries to take back to friends . She had heard I told Esselmont about a dream I had. For years that if one wanted to count the Greatest Name ninety- I heard believers talking about their dreams, all of five times with a rosary it helped one's concentration. them remarkable according to them. I wanted to have At noon the Master talked a long time. Our desert was a dream that I could talk about, but it never happened. a dish of fresh dates. I tasted them in Cairo and de- Then one night - I was so excited - it happened. I cided never to eat them again, or yogurt (mast). When was with Jesus. As people came to see Him He gave I made up my mind about something I seldom each one a pearl. They were about the size of a changed. That was why I was naughty lots of times - grapefruit, round and white, wrapped in veils of soft at least that is what I was told. color. They looked so pretty. The people bowed as they accepted a pearl. Jesus was happy. I was happy The Master put two dates on a little plate in too! You see I always enjoyed stories about Jesus, front of me and explained that they helped the diges-· especially the one about the five loaves and two fish. tion and gave heat to the body. Then He arose from I was glad my special dream was about Him. the table and left us. We always went to the door to watch Him walk home. Then I looked at the dining Before dinner we went to the evening meeting. room table and again it had been cleared and I was This night non-Baha'is asked questions rather than thankful, the dates were gone. But in a corner of the room was the little plate and it had the two dates on it. Master cares for. This man could not move his arm to lift a spoon to his mouth. The Master gently helps him .' I stood on one foot and then the other. Must I while He talks and watches peoples' plates. This man eat those dates? Every reason why not came into my was one of the four Hands of the Cause of God apmind. I discovered one date was a little rotten, so of pointed by Baha'u'llah, Ibn-i-Asdaq. He had also done course it would not be necessary to eat that one. But wonderful work for the Faith. During dinner the something also kept saying to me, the Master told you Master turned to me saying, "Yogurt is very good." He to, "The Master never asks you to do something unless turned to Fugita and asked him to get some for me. it is for your own good." After about ten minutes I ate He returned at once saying there was none and should both dates. I felt heroic, wise and relieved. he go next door? The Master said, "No that is not necessary. " There was much activity at tea time. Mother took my dresses for the ladies to copy the patterns. Then He looked at me with such a kind look. Many Baha'i women came and went. The Master's This is what had happened to me. When the Master wife is going away but she has four daughters who said yogurt, I reacted in only one way - instant obewill help take care of things. But I have noticed that it dience. I did not remember that I had decided never is to the Greatest Holy Leaf whom everyone turns to to even smell it again. The Master had shown me in a for help and advice. She is gentle and loving, but way I could understand what obedience means. When strong too. God speaks through His chosen channels, His Teachers, do not question it for your own good and happi- After tea I wandered into the garden that sur- ness. This was yet another gift from the Master that I rounds part of the Master's house. An old man called had needed. It was a basic lesson for a lifetime. Haydar All was Sitting on a bench in the sun. I asked the young man sitting next to him what Mr All had done for the Faith. He asked the question and the answer was, "I have not done as much as an ant would do for the Faith of God." The young man had Day Five fire in his eyes and I realized that I should not have asked such a thing. Shoghi Effendi was in the garden. He had a grapefruit in his hand. I asked if I could take his picture and he said yes. Shoghi Effendi was completely devoted to his grandfather and was always · , I t is still raining. I guess we are going to have a wet pilgrimage. Shoghi Effendi said we would go to Akka on the first clear day. The Master came to see Dr Esselmont because he is helpful and kind to me. J not well. He stOod in his doorway quite awhile. He said He was sorry He could not stay with us but would At dinner there was another old man whom the 16 17 come for lunch. At lunch He told more stories about Day 'Six Christ and the Jews. He never said unkind things. t was a very cold day but the rain stopped. In the afternoon I helped the ladies clean wheat. There are great bags of it and we pulled it towards us little by little, looking for the little stones I Mother went to bed with a hot water bottle. Aziz Yazdi came to see me. He is about my age. His family live in Haifa. Imagine living near the that cause trouble. We sat around a large round table. Master all the time. I enjoyed his visit. When we finished sorting I walked around in the house because it was still raining. I saw a door partly We had brought a small trunk full of gifts, and open down a little hallway. I was quiet but the · father asked if the Master would accept them. He said Greatest Holy Leaf heard me and asked me to come in. that because we wanted so much to give them it She was on her bed and I was sorry to have disturbed would be acceptable. When lunch was finished the her, but she smiled and got up to show me some trunk was opened. To our horror the yellow package interesting pictures and things that she had. She spoke of bug powder mother had put in had broken. It took little English but her eyes are what talked. Her face some time to clean the powder off everything. There looked dreadfully tired but her eyes were like the were typewriters and watches for both men and Master's, so alive and expressive. She is not like the women. The Master was given a beautiful watch that other ladies. fit in His pocket. Shoghi Effendi liked the typewriter. There were three lengths of a special wool material for She is apart, like the Master. It was a joy to be coats for the Master. It was soft as a bunnies ear. with her. I loved her. She gave me a Persian pen box Mother took these to the Greatest Holy Leaf to be before I left. Mother often sits beside her afternoons made up as the Master wished. He said He had one because she also feels something special. coat and did not need others. The Greatest Holy Leaf asked Him to accept the material as it would be rude A few days before we left the Greatest Holy not to. A coat was made and He wore it for us to see. Leaf also gave us a piece of "rock candy" that The next day father was walking out the front door Baha'u'llah used to give those in the Ridvan Garden. when he saw a poor man walking down the street It was the last piece she had! It looked like crystal. with the coat on!
There were seventeen for dinner. 'Abdu'l-Baha seemed tired and He answered questions rather than to give a talk. He went to His room without even saying goodnight and we knew He was exhausted.
Hakim knows a lot about history and he said it must Day Seven date back to about 1799 when Napoleon tried to take the fortress. I wanted to keep it but father said "No!" he bagpipes awakened me->and for once I
T was glad because Shoghi Effendi came early to say it was clear and we could go to Acca. We had finished breakfast by seven forty five We entered the courtyard where Baha'u'llah used to walk for exercise. While there a very old man, Aga Hossein, came. Shoghi Effendi had sent for him and went to the street. The Master was there making as he was the only living survivor of those terrible all the arrangements. There were eleven of us going: days, with the exception of the Master and Bahiyyih our group, Shoghi Effendi, Dr Lotfullah, Fugita, Khinum, the Greatest Holy Leaf. As we saw each Dr Suliman Rifat, Esfandiar, the faithful coachman and room he told us about what had happened. the Master's devoted servant, and Khosrar, a young Hindu boy. The Master seated us, and He saw that One was where the Master made soup. We saw our luncheon was safely packed. There were two the first room Baha'u'llih had slept in, and the second carriages with three horses each. The Master wished one was up a steep flight of stairs. There was no us a happy day and we were off! furniture, not even a bed or chair. It seemed impossible that Baha'u'llih could be treated that way. We went up the mountain a little then turned We also saw the room where the Purest Branch, Mirza left going along a road that soon dropped down to the Mihdi, had fallen through the skylight. It was sad to sea. This was the best road to Acca and there were be in such a place. The old man had made those caravans and groups of loaded donkeys slowly moving awful days vivid - he seemed to live them over again. along. He stopped to rest the horses once, and stretch our legs. Then Esfandiar took us around in the back We left the barracks and met the carriages to be of Acca because the streets were narrow. We taken to the Ridvan Garden. I remember something approached the back of a huge fortress (now called the Greatest Holy Leaf had told us. She had said they the barracks) where Bahi'u'lhih, His family and follow- were marvelously happy in the barracks because they ers were imprisoned for two years. It was a dreadful had not been separated from Baha'u'llih. The Garden looking place. is surrounded by a stream, like an island. I would call it a brook. We crossed a short bridge and entered a We left the carriage and walked along a path place of flowers and fruit. It was November and yet towards the entrance of the barracks. We crossed a the Garden looked so fresh and happy. flimsy bridge covering two deep moats - they used to be filled with water, and were deep. I noticed an odd The gardener came to talk to us. He pointed pile of earth beside the path and dug at it with a stick. out special plants, some of which had been carried all It proved to be an old cannon ball. Dr Lotfullah the way from Persia by pilgrims, some of whom had 20 21 walked. He went to the mulberry trees with the bench donkey standing in the meta1 door. There was also a underneath where Baha'u'llah used to sit sometimes long green snake moving among some rocks - I didn't J
resting, and other times dictating imp0r:!~t Tablets. like that. When we walked to the left of Bahji to a small building where the Master stayed when He The table was set up near the trees and we visited the Shrine of Baha'u'llah. They were invited by enjoyed a delicious pilaf. The desert was fruit from the caretakers to have tea and entered a little room the Garden: oranges, dates, lemons, pomegranates and that was partly open to a small courtyard where watermelon. It was truly a very special garden. The flowers grew. Bahji' was the last place where little fountain near where we were sitting was not Baha'u'llah had lived. It is in Acca. We were now working. I wanted to see it flowing because it would going to enter the Shrine, for Baha'fs the holiest spot be like the days when Baha'u'llah was there. on earth!
The gardener took us to a corner of the prop- First we went through a small garden that the erty where a fence enclosed a round dirt track. A Master had made, and then through a large door. We donkey was standing there. The donkey when, blind- took off our shoes. Shoghi Effendi gave us rose water folded, would walk round and round the track and the for our faces, then we stepped inside a large room water would begin to flow (the donkey wouldn't walk with a small garden in the center. It was raised above until it was blindfolded). The fountain came alive, the floor level and had a glass roof over it. The floor making a soft sound. How cool it must have been was covered with a beautiful Persian rug. After a few sitting beside the fountain on a hot day. It was selfish minutes of silent prayer Shoghi Effendi chanted the of me to ask but it was so lovely and we all enjoyed it. Tablet of Visitation, a special prayer to be said at the Shrine. It was so spiritual. After lunch we were taken to the little building where Baha'u'llah used to rest and have tea. It had Then we entered the small room where the not changed. His room was up a short flight of stairs body of Baha'u'llah had been placed below floor level. and underneath was where the gardener lived. In this It was in the middle of the room with a magnificent Garden one feels close to Him perhaps because He rug over it. We stood silently. I could not even think. loved it. I just felt great peace and power, as if Nature also stood still in that room. We stepped down from the Then we were off to the Mansion of Bahji. On room with a feeling of reverence. the way they stopped to show us the little house that was partly in ruins where the Master for many years We went back to the carriages -- the day in this had welcomed the pilgrims. There was still a little most holy part <~fthe world was over. I knew it would garden there. A short way from Bahji we left the live with me forever and ever. We went back by way carriages and walked. I ran ahead and saw a little of the sea and this time the waves splashed up on the 22 23 wheels of the carriages. Then we saw the Master Master. 'Abdu'l-Baha came after a few minutes and standing at our gate waiting to welcome us back. stood looking at the sea. He told us that someday the "Have you had a happy day?" He asked,;~Rest now drive to Acca and the Holy Shrine would be beautiful until the evening meeting." He knew our hearts were with orange groves. A great breakwater would be full to the brim. The evening was long. Three times built to form a harbor and ships from all over the dinner was announced but the Master had left us so world would come. The Shrine of the Bab would be we just sat. I thought I was approaching starvation. lighted and would be a landmark for ships and planes. Then we heard voices. The Master was coming in Then He turned to the Shrine and stood by the door of with Colonel and Mrs Allison saying He had been the large room. I stood by Him as He gave everyone a waiting for them (they had not said they were little rose water. It was the same story - the little coming). Dinner was very late and it was good to bottle that never got empty. It was -more than I could finally get into bed. What a day! My little light com- understand. We went to the room where the Bab's forted me. body lies. Shoghi Effendi chanted the Tablet of Visitation. There is something in the Shrines that one's heart responds to. Then the carriage was waiting to take us down the hill. Day Eight At dinner the Master spoke about airplanes, how they would get bigger and bigger and faster and t was a lovely day. I went for a walk up the
I mountain. I kept thinking that perhaps one of the Prophets had walked along this same path. Mt. Carmel is a fascinating place because it faster.
seems to have been a center for spiritual thought. There are a few wild flowers, but not enough for mother to dry. She wanted to take some back home Day Nine with her. t was another clear day. We had so much After luncheon the Master patiently waited while we took lots of pictures. He also arranged a group picture. Dr Esselmont was well enough to be I rain but no one seemed to mind or even talk about it. Our house continues to be very cold. I feel sorry for Dr Esselmont. The Master with us - he is such a dear person. In the afternoon came again early in the morning to talk with him. The we all went to the Shrine of the Bab. A carriage took luncheons were....- our happiest times because the Master some of us up over the awful rocky road. Father had was so jolly. (kept thinking about this because we gone up earlier as he had a private talk with the have grown so close to Him. I asked Him which city 24 25 He liked best in the United States and He said, Day Ten "Washington, Chicago, San Francisco." Then He paused again and said, "San Francisco."_/So, the city in t was raining again. At noon time it came the West had won.
After lunch Shoghi Effendi brought us a brass I down in sheets but the Master came for lunch just the same. He sits with us not as a wise man who can accomplish anything but as charcoal burner. It took the chill off our big room. someone who is part of our lives. I think about this Mother wanted to buy one to take home because it is every day because I do not understand lots of things. so nice to look at and the heat is pleasant. The little current is still with me when He comes near. Also, He never seems to leave us - I mean in spirit. We went to see the ladies a bit earlier. Mother Whatever I do each day it is as if He is by my side. is sad about leaving them. She has asked the Greatest The family talks about things like this. Maybe one day Holy Leaf to tell her how to bake the rice that is so I will realize more than now, when I am older. delicious. The Master came for tea and mother spoke of the attractive brass heater that gives such a comfort- The Master was in the tearoom reading a able heat. The Master said he did not like the furnace newspaper when Mrs Allison, mother and I arrived. heat we had in America because it was heavy and dull. His welcome is always so warm. He did not stay long He said that ventilation was important and He had to so mother asked the Greatest Holy Leaf if she would open windows. They talked a lot about this subject. tell us about some of her experiences with Baha'u'llah. I stayed. I loved history. She talked a long time, Colonel and Mrs Allison came again for the telling about things that were sad and cruel. I will evening meeting and dinner. Mother says they are never forget one thing she told us. The second night deeply interested in the Faith. The dinner hour in the barracks in Acca when they had no comfort and brought us something that we had not seen before. little food, they got to laughing. Baha'u'llah came to The Master spoke on martyrdom and He became the door telling them to be quiet because the jailers radiant. His face shone, His voice was loud and would think they were crazy. powerful, and we could hardly eat. It seemed as if everything must be shaking, even the atoms. He said After tea time mother received a lovely Persian that he longed to be martyred for the Faith, but doesn't headdress from Munavvar. Mother in turn gave her He have that everyday? Shoghi Effendi has told us what she had admired, her long necklace of amber about what the Master suffers, especially froni en- beads. emies. There was more interesting history at dinner. The Master said that this is the ground where the
26 27 Prophets had walked. They dwelt here to give the The blood of Baha'u'llah was drawn at that time and glad tidings that a day would come when the tent of put in a vase. There it became congealed. We could ,l
the Lord would be pitched here. Baha'u'Uah had not comprehend that we had such a gift, that it was of pitched His tent near where the Shrine the Bab was real. I prayed about it and finally put it away in my placed. Jesus used to walk across Mt. Carmel to Haifa trunk. and Nazareth. Mohammed came once when He was eleven years old and again when He was twenty eight. After all the spiritual excitement the Greatest Holy Leaf told us that she would show us how to cook After dinner, as the Master was leaving He said, the rice. We went to a little room where there was a "These meals have been very happy. They are the charcoal fire burning. The rice is washed and then put Lord's supper because the wish and purpose has been in boiling salt water until it is just soft enough to break concerning the affairs of God." (about four or five minutes). It is then strained and some butter is put in the pot and browned a little. The rice is slowly put in with a sprinkling of spices and the tiny pieces of meat. On top of this is placed two large pieces of butter and then the cover is replaced. This is Day Eleven put on a slow charcoal fire, and ashes and more charcoal are placed on top. It remains this way for three
T his morning the Greatest Holy Leaf sent quarters of an hour. us each a gift by Shoghi Effendi. He said we must guess what it was and handed While this was being cooked, the Greatest Holy us each a small envelope. We thought, but could not Leaf said it was strange that I came to find out how to guess correctly. In each envelope was a tiny piece of cook when 'Abdu'l-Baha's own daughters did not the blood of Baha'u'llah. No one knew what to say. I know how. Munavvar laughed and said she could not felt sort of numb, I could not grasp having such a cook it, but knew just how it should be done. thing. We were all silent. It was the most precious gift in the world (how do you say thank you?). Later in the afternoon the Master told us our ship had come and we must leave tomorrow. He had I wondered where I could put mine. Mother told father several days ago that He would like us to said hers must go into a solid gold box. This gift did go to Germany and several other places. Now that not leave my mind, my thoughts, for a long time. was all changed and father was to go directly home, When we went for tea mother asked the Greatest Holy that "things would not be to his liking there." Leaf about it. She said it was a custom in Persia in the Spring to draw a certain amount of blood from the forearm of a person as it was considered to be healthy.
28 29 Day Twelve ur last day. The Master came early for
O lunch and asked us to join Him in Dr Esselmont's room. He spoke of His great love for us and that we must go Bahiyyih Winckler was born in 1907 to Ruth and Hany Randall, early American believers back with our hearts full of love to give to others. in the Faith ofBaha 'u 'llah. Lunch was short. Mother and I said goodbye to the Ruth Randall was the first to become a ladies and mother wept. Then the Master called us Baha'i, and it was the Master himself who brought again, shook our hands and gave us loving messages. Hany into the Faith in 1912. The Randalls were We all felt that it was hard to part. well known in New England social and financial circles. Hany was the preSident of the Boston- We went back in the pouring rain to get our Maine Railroad, and it was the Randalls who luggage and the Master called father to Him once bought the Green Acre property in Eliot, Maine, as again. Father came back weeping only to tell us that a place of worship, study and fellowship for the he had been alone with the Master and He was so New England Baha'is. wonderful. Inspired by the powerful words and supreme example of the Master (so lovingly recorded in this The Persian believers came in the rain to wave diary of 1919), Bahiyyih did indeed grow into a us goodbye. Shoghi Effendi, Dr Lotfulla Hakim and bright "light" among the handmaidens of His Fugita joined us in the carriage and even went in the Cause, a tireless servantfor the Faith . In 1953, little boat to the ship. under the direction of the Guardian, Bahiyyih assumed a pioneering post in Durban, South Then we were in the outside world again. The Africa, working and sharing the teachings of people at the dock and on the ship seemed so lifeless Baha'u'llah with the black population for over 40 and dull. The world seemed cold. years. She now lives in Sabie, Transval, South Africa, and, as a young girl of 88 years, continues I had left the heart of the world. to teach .
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